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Waaghaus: St. Gallen's Historic Trade Hub

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Explore the historic Waaghaus in St. Gallen, a cultural gem hosting markets, exhibitions, and events in a beautifully preserved medieval building.

The Waaghaus, a historical landmark in St. Gallen's old town, was built in 1584-1585 as a trade hall. Today, it serves as a vibrant venue for markets, exhibitions, concerts, and civic gatherings. Admire its architecture, including a distinctive roof turret and moon-phase clock.

A brief summary to Waaghaus

  • Monday 12 am-12 am
  • Tuesday 12 am-12 am
  • Wednesday 12 am-12 am
  • Thursday 12 am-12 am
  • Friday 12 am-12 am
  • Saturday 12 am-12 am
  • Sunday 12 am-12 am

Local tips

  • Check the local event calendar to see if there are any special markets or festivals happening during your visit.
  • Visit in the early afternoon for a more quiet experience and better opportunities for taking photos.
  • Explore the charming cobblestone streets and shops surrounding the Waaghaus.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    The Waaghaus is located in the heart of St. Gallen's old town and is easily accessible by foot. From the St. Gallen Cathedral, walk east towards the main shopping street (Bahnhofstrasse), then turn left onto Bohl Street. Continue walking for about 10 minutes, and you will find Waaghaus at Bohl 14. The walk is a pleasant one with shops and cafes along the way.

  • Public Transport

    St. Gallen has an excellent public transport network with trains and buses running regularly. The St. Gallen Transport Services (VBSG) maintain many stops across the city. From the St. Gallen train station, take bus number 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 9 or 11 to the bus stop 'Marktplatz'. From there it is a short walk to the Waaghaus. A single fare for a short trip in St. Gallen costs around CHF 2.30.

  • Parking

    If arriving by car, there are several parking garages around the Old Town. Some options include the Parkhaus Rathaus and Cityparking Burggraben. Parking fees vary, but you can expect to pay around CHF 3-4 per hour. Blue zone day parking passes are also available for CHF 10 per day, allowing you to park near the city center.

Discover more about Waaghaus

The Waaghaus, located on Bohl 14 in St. Gallen, is a significant historical building that has evolved from a trade center to a cultural hub. Constructed between 1584 and 1585, the Waaghaus, meaning 'weigh house,' was originally used for weighing, taxing, and storing goods, playing a crucial role in the city's trade activities. Over the centuries, the Waaghaus adapted to the changing needs of St. Gallen. By the 19th century, its original function became obsolete with the advent of the railway and new customs warehouses. It briefly housed the police station before transforming into a post office in 1876, a role it maintained until 1958. A public vote in 1958 decided to preserve and renovate the building. Today, the Waaghaus hosts various events throughout the year. The open ground floor, once used for trade, now serves as a venue for markets and public gatherings, including Christmas markets. The upper floor features a versatile space for exhibitions and concerts, as well as the council chamber for the St. Gallen city parliament. The building's exterior features large entrance gates, a clock with a moon phase indicator, and a roof turret with an onion dome.

Explore the best of what Waaghaus has to offer

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